Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SET OF CONNECTED BLANKS AND BLANK
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same.
More specifically,
but not exclusively, the invention relates to a plurality of connected blanks
for forming carriers
of the top-gripping type having one or more apertures for receiving and
retaining an article
therein.
BACKGROUND
In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple
articles. Cartons
are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport,
store and access
a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental
considerations, such cartons
or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as
little wastage in
the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations
are the strength
of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights
of articles. It is
desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.
It is well known to provide top gripping article carriers in which an aperture
is formed in a panel
of the carrier, wherein tabs are struck from said aperture. The tabs are
displaced out of the
plane of said panel when an article is received in the aperture, wherein said
tabs engage the
article generally about a flange or lip of the article.
It is desirable to simplify construction of the blank into a carrier, it is an
object of the present
disclosure to enable a plurality of connected blanks to be simultaneously
assembled into
packages. The carrier should be sufficiently robust to withstand the load of
the articles. It
desirable that the carriers should be capable of packaging generally
cylindrical articles, such
as but not limited to beverage cans, which articles are of a sleek or slim
design.
The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons,
typically formed
from paperboard or the like.
SUMMARY
A first aspect of the invention provides a set of connected blanks each for
forming a top
engaging carrier, wherein the blanks are detachably connected together in a
matrix fashion
wherein each blank has a plurality of top-receiving apertures wherein a first
distance D1
between the respective centres of two adjacent ones of the apertures of a
first blank is less
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than a second distance D2 between the centre of a corner aperture of the first
blank and a
centre of an adjacent corner aperture of a second blank and wherein the first
distance Di is
less than a third distance D3 between the centre of the corner aperture of the
first blank and a
centre of an adjacent corner aperture of a third blank.
Optionally, the first distance Di is generally equal to the maximum diameter
D, of a generally
cylindrical article adapted to be engaged by the first blank.
Optionally, a corner radius Rb of each blank is greater than a half of the
maximum diameter
Dc of a generally cylindrical article adapted to be engaged by that blank.
Optionally, the corner radius Rb is at least 1/8inch (3.175mm) greater than a
half of the
maximum diameter D, of a generally cylindrical article adapted to be engaged
by that blank.
Optionally, the second distance D2 is generally equal to the third distance
D3.
Optionally, each of the second and third distances D2, D3 is generally equal
to twice a corner
radius Rb of each blank.
Optionally, a fourth distance IR, is defined between the outer end of each tab-
defining element
and the centre of the respective aperture, the fourth distance IR, is equal to
or less than a half
of the maximum diameter D, of a generally cylindrical article adapted to be
engaged by that
blank.
Optionally, any point on the outline of a finger aperture is disposed outside
an area defined
by a radius equal to half of the maximum diameter (1/2D,) around the centre of
any one of the
apertures which surround the finger aperture.
A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a top engaging
carrier, the blank
comprising a plurality of apertures each for receiving a portion of a
generally cylindrical article
wherein a first distance Di between the centres of two adjacent ones of the
apertures is
generally equal to the maximum diameter D, of the article and a corner radius
Rb of the blank
is greater than a half of the maximum diameter D, of the article.
Optionally, the corner radius Rb is at least 1/8inch (3.175mm) greater than a
half of the
maximum diameter D, of the article.
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Optionally, a fourth distance Rs is defined between the outer end of each tab-
defining element
and the centre of the respective aperture, the fourth distance Rs is equal to
or less than a half
of the maximum diameter D, of a generally cylindrical article adapted to be
engaged by that
blank.
Optionally, the maximum diameter Da of each aperture is less than the upper
end diameter Da
of the article.
Optionally, any point on the outline of a finger aperture is disposed outside
an area defined
by a radius equal to half of the maximum diameter (1/2D,) around the centre of
any one of the
apertures which surround the finger aperture.
Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the
various aspects,
embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding
paragraphs, in the
claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or
taken
independently or in any combination thereof.
Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one
embodiment are
applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features.
One or more
features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined
with, any
of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted
from said one
embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more
features or
elements of said other embodiment.
A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may
be extracted in
isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or
combination of
features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to
the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a plurality of connected blanks, each
blank for
forming a carrier according to a first embodiment;
Figure 2 is a plan view from above of one the blanks of Figure 1;
Figure 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of Figure 2;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 2;
and
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Figure 4 is a perspective view of a primary product container for use with the
carrier of
the first embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and
cartons are
disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely examples
of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do
not represent
an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used
herein, the word
"exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as
illustrations,
specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the
packages, blanks and
cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The
Figures are
not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to
show details
of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not
necessarily
described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.
Any specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but
merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching
one skilled in the
art to variously employ the invention.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of a plurality of connected
blanks 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 3, for
containing and
carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or
cans, hereinafter
referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 2. The blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d
form a secondary
package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.
In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer,
for the non-limiting
purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container
for engaging and
carrying articles, such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that
the teachings of
the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may
not be tapered
and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example
metallic, glass or plastics
bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the
like.
The blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate.
It is to be
understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all
manner of foldable
sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic,
combinations
thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of
blanks may be
employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure
described in more detail
below.
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The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from a
sheet material
such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase
its strength.
An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK paperboard
made by
WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be
provided by
more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package.
Typically, one surface
of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface.
For example, the
surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may
be particularly
smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface
treatment to provide
good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may,
on the other hand,
be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to
provide properties
such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability,
or other desired
functional properties.
In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are configured
to form a carton
or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B.
In the
embodiment illustrated, each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d forms a package having
an
arrangement in the form of a 2 x 3 matrix or array; in the illustrated
embodiment two rows of
three articles are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. The
beverage cans may be
12oz (355m1) cans of the sleek or slim design; that is to say the articles B
are substantially of
the same diameter over their entire height. An exemplary article B is
illustrated in Figure 4, the
article B has a maximum diameter or lateral dimension Dc (the diameter Dc may
be about
2.25inche5 or about 58mm). The article B comprises an upper portion or top
closure T which
has a diameter or lateral dimension Dn (the diameter Dn may be about
2.125inche5 or
54.8mm). The neck N may provide an outwardly projecting flange, that is to say
it may
comprise an undercut for engaging with the carrier. A top closure may be
attached to the side
wall of the article B to form a seam or "chime" C which provides the flange F.
In embodiments
of the inventions the variation in diameter between the top closure T and the
main body M of
the article B is less than 7mm, may be less than 5mm and optionally is less
than 4mm.
As used herein the terms "sleek" or "slim" refer to article which have little
or no variation in
their lateral dimension between the top closure T which engages with the
carrier 90 and the
main body M of the article B. The articles are substantially parallel sided or
of substantially
uniform diameter.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c,
10d, in the illustrated
embodiment there are four blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d arranged in a 2x2 matrix
or array. Each
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blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is connected to at least two adjacently disposed
blanks 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d by a frangible or severable connection 42. Each blank 10a, 10b, 10c,
10d comprises
a main panel 12 for forming a top wall or engaging panel of a carrier 90 (see
Figure 3).
Each of the main panels 12 includes at least one article retention structure
RT1, RT2, RT3,
RT4, RT5, RT6. In the embodiment of Figure 1 each main panel 12 comprises a
plurality of
article retention structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6, specifically six
article retention
structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array.
In other
embodiments, alternative arrangements may be employed, for example but not
limited to four
article retention structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4 arranged in a 2 x 2 matrix or
array; in such
embodiments the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include six blanks
severably
connected to form a 2x3 matrix or array. Another alternative arrangement may
be three article
retention structures RT1, RT3, RT5 arranged in a 1 x 3 configuration; in such
an embodiments
the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include eight blanks severably
connected to
form a 2x4 matrix or array. Another alternative arrangement may be two article
retention
structures RT1, RT3; or RT1, RT2 arranged in a 1 x 2 configuration; in such an
embodiments
the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include twelve blanks severably
connected to
form a 2x6 or 3x4 matrix or array. Still another alternative arrangement may
be four article
retention structures RT1, RT2, RT1, RT2 arranged in a 1 x4 configuration; in
such an
embodiments the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may include six blanks
severably
connected to form a 1x6 configuration. Still further alternative arrangement
may be eight article
retention structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6, RT1, RT2 arranged in a 2 x
4
configuration; in such an embodiments the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c,
10d may include
three blanks severably connected to form a 1x3 configuration.
Each of the article retention structures RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 is
substantially similar
in construction and will therefore be described in detail with reference to a
first article retention
structure RT1 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 2A. Figure 2 shows a single
blank 10 which has
been separated from the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Figure 2a
shows an enlarged
portion of the blank 10.
The first article retention structure RT1 comprises an aperture Al. The first
aperture Al is an
eleven-sided polygon or hendecagon. In other embodiments, other polygonal
shapes may be
employed.
A plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18,20 are arranged about the
periphery of the aperture
Al. Each tab 16, 18, 20 is hinged to the main panel 12.
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Each tab 16, 18,20 is separated from its adjacent neighbours by a linear
outline 11. In this
way each tab 16, 18, 20 comprises a first side edge 19 and a second side edge
21. Each tab
16, 18, 20 comprises a free end edge 23 opposing a hinged edge. The free end
edges 23 form
engaging edges for retaining an article B, or at least a portion thereof,
within the aperture Al.
The free end edges 23 each defines a side of the polygonal shape of the first
aperture Al.
Each of the linear outlines 11, which define the side edges of the tabs 16,
18, 20, extend from
a vertex or corner of the polygonal shape of the first aperture Al. The linear
outlines 11 may
be substantially radially arranged with respect to a notional circle that
passes through each of
the vertices of the polygonal shape of the first aperture Al. The linear
outlines 11 comprise a
first proximal end that intersects with a vertex or corner of the polygonal
shape of the first
aperture Al. The linear outlines 11 comprise a second distal end.
The plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 comprises a series or set of
first article
engaging tabs 16, a series or set of second article engaging tabs 18, and a
series or set of
third article engaging tabs 20.
The set of first article engaging tabs 16 are located on the main panel 12 in
a region in which
the article engaging tabs are subject to the greatest stress or deformation
when an article B is
received in the first article retention structure RT1.
A first arcuate outline 26 is disposed proximate each of the linear cut lines
11 defining the side
edges of the first article engaging tabs 16. Each first arcuate outline 26 is
spaced apart from
the second distal end of the linear outlines 11 so as to define a connecting
portion 28 or "nick"
between a pair of adjacent first article engaging tabs 16.
The set of third article engaging tabs 20 are located on the main panel 12 in
a region in which
the article engaging tabs are subject to the least stress or deformation when
an article B is
received in the first article retention structure RT1.
A third arcuate outline 22 is disposed proximate each of the linear cut lines
11 defining the
side edges of the third article engaging tabs 20. Each third arcuate outline
22 is spaced apart
from the second distal end of the linear outlines 11 so as to define a
connecting portion 28 or
"nick" between a pair of adjacent third article engaging tabs 20. Those
connecting portions 28
or "nicks" are provided for maintaining a connection between a pair of
adjacent tabs 16, 18,
20 even after an article B is inserted into the aperture Al, A2, A3, A4, AS,
A6. The connecting
portions 28 connect the respective tab 16,18, 20 with the next adjacent tab
16,18, 20, thereby
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preventing or inhibiting the respective tab 16, 18, 20 from wobbling or
rotating about the axis
denoted by notional line P-P' or at least mitigating against such wobbling or
rotation.
The set of second article engaging tabs 18 are located on the main panel 12 so
as to provide
a transition between one of the first article engaging tabs 16 and one of the
third article
engaging tabs 20.
A second arcuate outline 24, 25 is disposed proximate a cut line 11 separating
each of the
second article engaging tabs 18 from an adjacent third article engaging tab
20.
Each second arcuate outline 24, 25 is spaced apart from the second distal end
of the linear
outlines 11 so as to define a connecting portion 28 or "nick" between a
respective one of the
second article engaging tabs 18 and the third article engaging tab 20 adjacent
to it.
Each of the first and third arcuate outlines 22, 26 is arranged symmetrically
about the linear
outline with which it is associated. Each of the second arcuate outlines 24,
25 is asymmetrically
arranged about one of the linear outlines 11.
The first, second and third arcuate outlines 26, 24, 25, 22 provide stress
relief in the main
.. panel 12 when the first, second and third article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20
are displaced out of
the plane of the main panel 12.
The first and third arcuate outlines 26, 22 are arranged symmetrically about
the respective
linear outline 11 with which they are associated. The first arcuate outlines
26 are larger in
dimension than the third arcuate outlines 22. The first arcuate outlines 26
comprise a first
radius of curvature, the third arcuate outlines 22 comprise a second radius of
curvature; the
first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature.
Each of the second outlines 24, 25 is arranged asymmetrically about the
respective linear
outline 11 with which it is associated. The second outlines 24, 25 comprise a
first portion and
a second portion contiguously arranged with each other. The first portion is
disposed
proximate the second article engaging tab 18 and the second portion is
disposed proximate a
third article engaging tab 20. The first portion of each of the second
outlines 24, 25 comprises
a first radius of curvature, the second portion of each of the second outlines
24, 25 comprises
a second radius of curvature; the first radius of curvature is larger than the
second radius of
curvature.
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The second cutlines 24, 25 may be considered to comprise one half of a first
arcuate cutline
26 and one half of a third arcuate cutline 22 contiguously arranged with each
other.
The second cutlines 24, 25 form asymmetrical 'C'-shaped cuts, whereas the
first and third
cutlines 26, 22 form symmetrical 'C'-shaped cuts. The second cutlines 24, 25
are employed
at the boundary between a first area of the main panel 12 that is subject to
higher stress upon
displacement of the first article engaging tabs 16 and a second area of the
main panel 12 that
is subject to lower stress upon displacement of the third article engaging
tabs 20. The higher
stress area of the main panel 12 occurs where the first tabs 16 are located as
these first tabs
.. 16 undergo higher bending stress, when an article B is inserted into the
respective aperture
Al, A2, A3, A4, AS, A6 than the third tabs 20 disposed in the lower stress
area of the main
panel 12.
Each of the third article engaging tabs 20 is defined in part by a second
linear cutline 17
.. provided in the main panel 12.
Each second linear cutline 17 is disposed between a pair of adjacent arcuate
cutlines 26, 24,
25, 22 in a spaced apart relationship with each of the pair of adjacent
arcuate cutlines 26, 24,
25, 22. Each of the third article engaging tabs 20 adjacent to one of the
second article
.. engaging tabs 18 comprises a second linear cutline 17 disposed between a
first arcuate cutline
26 and second arcuate cutlines 24, 25 in a spaced apart relationship with
respect to both the
first arcuate cutline 26 and the second arcuate cutlines 24, 25. The remaining
third article
engaging tabs 20 comprise a second linear cutline 17 disposed between a pair
of adjacent
first arcuate cutlines 26 in a spaced apart relationship with each of the pair
of adjacent first
arcuate cutlines 26.
The second linear cutline 17 facilitates folding of each of the third article
engaging tabs 20 with
respect to the main panel 12.
The second linear cutline 17 defines at least in part a straight or linear
fold line 17 by which
each of the third article engaging tabs 20 is hinged to the main panel 12.
In the illustrated embodiment the first article retention structure RT1
comprises eleven tabs
16, 18, 20 arranged about the periphery of the aperture Al.
Optionally, the plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 may vary in
dimension according to
their location on the main panel 12. The first article engaging tabs 16 may
have a first width,
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the second article engaging tabs 18 may have a second width and the third
article engaging
tabs 20 may have a third width. The third width may be greater than the second
width which
in turn may be greater than the first width. In this way the free end edge 23,
which forms an
engaging edge El, E2, of the first tabs 16 is smaller in dimension than the
free end edge 23
or engaging edge of the second or third tabs 18, 20.
In the illustrated embodiment, the article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 located in
the region of the
main panel 12 and subject to the greatest stress or deformation when an
article B is received
in the article retention structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 are smaller in
dimension than
the article engaging tabs 16, 18,20 located in the region of the main panel 12
subject to the
least stress or deformation.
The main panel 12 may optionally comprise a handle structure. The handle
structure may
comprise a pair of handle apertures H. Each of the pair of handle apertures H
is struck from
the main panel 12. One of the pair of handle apertures H is located in a
region disposed
centrally between a first pair of article retention structures RT1, RT2 and a
second pair of
article retention structures RT3, RT4. Said one of the pair of handle
apertures H comprises a
periphery which periphery is spaced from the centres of each of the apertures
Al, A2, A3, A4
by a distance equal to or greater than the maximum diameter D, of the articles
B. The other
one of the pair of handle apertures H is located in a region disposed
centrally between the and
a second pair of article retention structures RT3, RT4 and a third pair of
article retention
structures RT5, RT6. Said other one of the pair of handle apertures H
comprises a periphery
which periphery is spaced from the centres of each of the apertures A3, A4,
AS, A6 by a
distance equal to or greater than the maximum diameter D, of the articles B.
Optionally, the side and/or end edges of the main panel 12 may be arranged in
a curvilinear
or undulating shape.
The corners of the main panel 12 are rounded, the corners define an arc having
a radius of
curvature Rb. The arc may be centred on the centre of the aperture Al, A2, AS,
A6 of the
endmost article retention structures RT1, RT2, RT5, RT6.
The main panel 12 includes at least a paperboard substrate and a tear
resistant layer
laminated together. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between the
paperboard substrate
and the tear resistant layer. The material of the paperboard substrate may be
selected from
any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from
about 10 pt.,
preferably from about 11 pt. to about 14 pt. An example of such a substrate is
a 12-point SBS
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board or CNK board manufactured by WestRock Company. The paperboard substrate
may
be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one
side, optionally
the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coating selected for
compatibility with the
printing method and board composition.
The tear resistant layer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the
paperboard substrate
and may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate. The tear
resistant layer
imparts toughness to the laminate structure. Suitable tear resistant materials
may include, but
not be limited to, tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK ,
which may
include a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g. MYLAR , which is a bi-
axially oriented
polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high density
polyolefin. The orientation
and cross-laminated structure of these materials contribute to the tear
resistant characteristic.
Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemical nature of the tear
resistant material
such as extruded metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE).
Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linear low-density
polyethylene
(LLDPE). In embodiments where linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE
is used, it
is not necessary to incorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials
having a high level
of tear resistance may also be used.
The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolefin material such as a low-density
polyethylene
(LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placed between the substrate and the tear
resistant layer
to secure the tear resistant layer to the substrate.
The positions of the articles B with respect to the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d
are indicated by
notional lines CP. The notional lines CP indicate the position of the
cylindrical wall of the main
body of an article B shown in Figure 4 with respect to the blanks 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d. In the
embodiment of Figure 1 the position of twenty-four articles B with respect to
the plurality of
blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is indicated. The articles B are disposed in four
distinct groups of
six articles.
Each article B is aligned with one of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, AS, A6 of
the article retention
structure RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, RT6 of one of the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c,
10d. The tubular
axis of the articles B is in registry with the centre of one of the apertures
Al, A2, A3, A4, AS,
A6.
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Each article B with an article group is disposed in touching contact, or in at
least close
proximity, with at least two adjacent neighbours. The articles B in one group
are spaced apart
from the nearest adjacent articles B in the neighbouring group by a distance
z. This enables
each of the adjacently disposed blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d to provide a
sufficiently thick portion
.. of the main panel 12 about the articles B when the plurality of blanks 10a,
10b, 10c, 10d are
applied simultaneously to all of the article groups. The spacing apart of the
article groups by
the distance z is particularly important when packaging articles of the
"sleek" or "slim" design
as shown in Figure 4 where there is little or no difference in diameter
between the top end
closure and/or neck with respect to the side wall of the main body M of the
article B.
Each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d comprises a maximum width W, as shown in Figure
2. The
main panel 12 is arranged to be wider than the width of the group of articles
B which it
accommodates, the edge of the main panel 12 is spaced a distance y from the
position of the
cylindrical side wall CP of the article B, where y = (1/2z).
The plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d comprises a maximum width 2W.
Each blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d comprises a maximum length L, as shown in Figure
2. The
main panel 12 is arranged to be longer than the length of the group of
articles B which it
accommodates, the edge of the main panel 12 is spaced a distance y from the
position of the
cylindrical side wall CP of the article B, where y = (1/2z).
The plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d comprises a maximum length 2L.
In this way the outer perimeter of the main panel 12, in the flat blank form,
is spaced a distance
equal to or greater than distance y from the group of articles B as shown in
Figure 2.
The main panel 12 therefore comprises a boundary region surrounding the
article group.
The apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, AS, A6 have a maximum lateral dimension or
diameter of Da.
The centre of any one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth
apertures Al, A2, A3,
A4, AS, A6 of a given blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is spaced from the centre of an
adjacent one
of the apertures Al, A2, A3, A4, AS, A6 of said blank 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d by a
dimension D1,
dimension D1 may be substantially equal to Dc, (D1 = Dr). The cylindrical axes
of the articles
B of a given article group may be similarly spaced apart.
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The centre of a first aperture Al of a first blank 10a is spaced from the
centre of an adjacent
aperture A2, of a second blank 10b, by a dimension D3, dimension D3 may be
substantially
equal to the sum of dimension D, and dimension z; (D3 = Dr + z). The
cylindrical axes of the
respective articles B may be similarly spaced apart.
The centre of a first aperture Al of a first blank 10a is spaced from the
centre of an adjacent
aperture A57 of a third blank 10c, by a dimension D27 dimension D2 7 dimension
D2 may be
substantially equal to the sum of dimension D, and dimension z; (D2 = Dr + z).
The cylindrical
axes of the respective articles B may be similarly spaced apart.
The outlines 26 of the first retention structure RT1 are arranged to be spaced
at least a
distance x from the outlines 26 of the third retention structure RT1. The
outlines 26 of each
retention structure RT1, RT27 RT37 RT47 RT57 RT6 are arranged to be spaced at
least a
distance x from the outlines 26 of the an adjacent, retention structure RT1,
RT27 RT37 RT47
RT5, RT6.
The distance between the centre of one of the apertures Al7A27A37A47A57A6 and
the outer
end of each one of the tabs 16, 18,20 surrounding the said aperture Al, A27
A37 A47 AS, A6
.. is given by dimension R. The outer end of each one of the tabs 16, 18, 20
may be defined by
the distal end of the radial outlines 11. The distance Rs is less than or
equal to half the
maximum diameter D, of the articles B7 (R, < 1/2 Dr). The distance Rs is
greater than half the
maximum diameter Da of the apertures Al, A2, A37 A47 AS, A67 (Ra > 1/2 Da).
The article retention structure RT1, RT27 RT37RT47RT57 RT6 each define an
opening which
is formed in part from a respective one of the apertures Al, A27 A37 A47 AS,
A6 and from the
plurality of article engaging tabs 16, 18, 20 associated with each aperture
Al, A27A37A47A57
A6. The opening comprise a diameter or maximum lateral dimension which may be
less than
the maximum diameter D, of the article B to be received therein.
Referring again to Figure 1 each of the corners of the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c,
10d may be
rounded in shape. The rounded corners may be defined by a corner radius Rb.
The corner
radius Rb is greater than half the maximum diameter D, of the articles B (Rb >
1/2 Dr). In
some embodiments, the corner radius Rb is 1/8 inches (3.175mm) larger than
half the
maximum diameter D, of the articles B7 in other embodiments the corner radius
Rb is more
than 1/8 inches (3.175mm) larger than half the maximum diameter D, of the
articles B.
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The dimensions D2, D3 may be generally equal to twice the corner radius Rb,
(D2 = D3
The dimensions D2, D3 are greater than the dimension D1, (D1 < D2; Di < D3).
Each of the handle apertures H are arranged to be in registry with a void
between four
adjacently disposed articles B. Each of the handle apertures H comprises an
outline defining
an edge of the main panel 12.
Each of the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d is severably connected to
adjacently
disposed ones of the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d by a connecting
bridge portion or
connecting nick 42. The adjacently disposed blanks may be in touching contact
over a short
linear section 40, see Figure 2, of the outer edge of the blanks 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d.
Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, the plurality
of blanks 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d may be applied to a plurality of groups of articles B. The plurality
of blanks 10a, 10b,
10c, 10d is lowered with respect to the groups of articles B. Each of the
article retention
structures RT17RT27RT37RT47RT57RT6 of each of the plurality of blanks 10a,
10b, 10c, 10d
is aligned with a respective article B in one of the groups of articles B.
Portions of the articles
B pass through the main panels 12. The tabs 16, 18, 20 of each of the article
retention
structures RT17 RT27 RT37 RT47 RT57 RT6 are folded out of the plane of the
main panels 12
and engage beneath the chime C (which may provide a flange F, see Figure 4,)
of an article
B. In this way, the tabs 16, 18, 20 grip or hold the article B and prevent or
inhibit the articles B
from unintentionally separating from the main panels 12. The assembled carrier
90 is shown
in Figure 3.
Referring in particular to Figure 3, each of the blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d
form a top engaging
carrier 90, only one of which is shown, comprising a main panel 12 which
comprises apertures
Al, A27 A37 A47 AS, A6 each receiving a portion of a respective article B. The
main panel 12
further comprises an annular series of tabs 16, 18, 20 formed around each of
the first and
second apertures Al, A27 A37 A47 AS, A6. The tabs 16, 18, 20 of each annular
series are
connected to the main panel 12 such that the tabs 16, 18, 20 yield out of the
plane of the main
panel 12, about fold lines 31, when an article B is received in the respective
aperture Al, A27
A37A47A57A6 so as to bear against the article B.
Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panel 12 is
defined by a perimeter
to which no other part of the carrier 90 is connected, once each of the blanks
10a, 10b, 10c,
10d are separated from the plurality of blanks 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. That is to
say, the carrier
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90 is free of connection to other panels for example, but not limited to, side
or end wall panels
which extend about the sides of the article group. The perimeter of the main
panel 12 is
therefore defined in its entirety by free, cut or unhinged edges.
Another optional feature of the carrier 90 is that the main panel 12 is
defined by a perimeter
including convexly curved edges and concavely curved edges, wherein the radius
of curvature
of the convexly curved edges is substantially equal to the radius of curvature
of the concavely
curved edges.
The present disclosure provides a carrier of the top engaging type having
improved article
retention structures. In particular, the retention structures comprise article
engaging tabs
which yield upon insertion of an article. The tabs engage with an article to
hold or secure the
article within a panel of the carrier. The construction of the tabs is
dependent upon the location
of the tabs within the panel of the carrier. Those tabs subject to the
greatest stress, typically
those disposed in the interior regions of the panel or in close proximity to a
tab of an adjacent
retention structure, are provided with a stress relieving mechanism in the
form of outlines. The
outlines are provided proximate the side edge of the tabs and interrupt or
define a fold line
between the tab and the panel from which it is struck or formed.
The dimension of a tab may also be dependent upon its location in the panel of
the carrier.
Those tabs disposed in higher stress areas may be smaller in width than tabs
subject to lesser
stress.
The carrier is formed from a blank which is adapted to be applied to a group
of articles
simultaneously with at least one further blank which is similarly arranged.
The blank and
further blanks being severably from each other upon application to their
respective groups of
articles. The blank comprises a projecting edge forming a border or brim which
surrounds the
group of articles which is accommodates.
It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as
"top", "bottom", "base",
"front", "back", "end", "side", "inner, "outer, "upper" and "lower" do not
necessarily limit the
respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish
these panels from
one another.
As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "fold line" refer to all
manner of lines that
define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank
with respect to one
another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank.
Any reference to
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"hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to a
single fold line only;
indeed a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein
each of the
two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in
shape. When linear
fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each
other or be
slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a
hinged
connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the
area surrounded
by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection
may comprise a
pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they
define an elliptical
panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear
fold lines
and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged
connection may
comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold
line which intersect
at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.
As used herein, the term "fold line" may refer to one of the following: a
scored line, an
embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits,
a line of half-cuts,
a single half-cut, an interrupted outline, a line of aligned slits, a line of
scores and any
combination of the aforesaid options.
It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each
include elements that
are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of
perforations, a line of
short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a outline, an interrupted
outline, slits, scores,
any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and
arranged to
provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be
dimensioned or
designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance
line. The line of
perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to
facilitate folding and
facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little
effort.
The phrase "in registry with" as used herein refers to the alignment of two or
more elements
in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping
panels and a
second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements
in registry
with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the
thickness of the
overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is "in
registry with" a second
aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with
the first panel,
an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the
second aperture
and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second
panels, with the
second aperture.
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